Aji Charapita Hot Peppers on a white background.
Aji Charapita Peppers on marble countertop.
Close-up Aji Charapita with foliage
Aji Charapita fruit in varying maturity states.
Aji Charapita Peppers on wooden in bowl and filling spoon on wooden table.
Aji Charapita Hot Peppers on a white background.
Aji Charapita Peppers on marble countertop.
Close-up Aji Charapita with foliage
Aji Charapita fruit in varying maturity states.
Aji Charapita Peppers on wooden in bowl and filling spoon on wooden table.

Hot Pepper Seeds,
Aji Charapita

3.684 ReviewsSKU: #HPP221Min. seed count: 15
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Description

(Capsicum chinense) Selling for very high prices to Lima's best chefs, this pepper is the most expensive in the world! The north Peruvian jungle native is a wild bushy plant which produces hundreds of hot, small (.25 inch), round Tepin-like peppers. The pepper has a distinct fruity, citrusy aroma and is equal in heat to a cayenne pepper. Due to its rarity and hefty prices, it is often known as the "Mother of All Chilies" and is very hard to source outside of Peru. We are happy here at Baker Creek to bring such an amazing pepper to light! Used fresh, this tiny pepper is known to have a strong fruity flavor that gives salsas and sauces a unique tropical taste. More often, it is used as powder for various dishes. We found this variety growing in a pot in a Peruvian friend's house. Indeed, the Aji Charapita is a popular house plant in Peru, where the delicious peppers are harvested as needed right in the kitchen.

Growing Tips: Aji Charapita hot pepper is compact and bushy, and the plants adapt well to warm climates with high humidity, making them suitable for containers in most regions. They appreciate a bit of afternoon shade during the hottest summer weather and thrive in rich, well-draining soil.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Capsicum chinense
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Bush
Sun Requirement
8–12 hr.
Days to Germinate
7–10
Days to Maturity
90–120
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
14–18 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Start Aji Charapita seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before your region's last spring frost, then transplant once outdoor temperatures are consistently above 65 F. In very warm regions (Zones 9+), they can even survive and produce year-round with proper care​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates or USDA Zone, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in warm, moist soil (80-85 F) to encourage germination, which takes around 7-10 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors with 14-18 inches between plants or grow in containers with well-draining soil​.

How to Grow

Keep the soil evenly moist, fertilize every 4-6 weeks, and prune lightly to encourage bushiness. Watch for pests like aphids, treating them with insecticidal soap if needed. Stakes can help support branches laden with peppers​.

How to Save Seeds

  • Peppers are mainly self-pollinating, but bees occasionally work pepper flowers as well.
  • To be absolutely sure that you will not have any crossing, different varieties should be isolated by at least 500 feet.
  • To save seed, allow the fruit to mature fully; then simply remove seeds.
  • It is a good idea to wear gloves when working with very hot peppers, and to consider wearing a mask when working with a large quantity of dried seeds.
  • Let seeds dry for a week before storing them in a jar.
  • Pepper seeds will remain viable for up to 5 years.

FAQ

How long do Aji Charapita peppers take to mature?

Generally, they mature 90-120 days from planting.

Can Aji Charapita peppers grow indoors?

Yes, they can grow well in containers if given warmth and sunlight.

How do Aji Charapita peppers taste?

They have a fruity and floral taste, with a citrusy heat perfect for salsas and sauces.

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